The Comeback of the Bomber Jacket

The bomber jacket (or bombardier jacket) is a type of coat originally created for military pilots for both WWI & WWII. The style eventually became part of pop culture and apparel thanks to Hollywood movies such as Top Gun. I mean, Tom Cruise did look amazing in that film and in that jacket, I can see what all the fuss was about. Since the late 1980's, these coats have come and gone from being on trend, and this year they are so in! Not only are they super cute, but they are also very functional, warm, and the perfect size to not over bulk your outfit. 

I picked up this print bomber jacket back in 2013 in my first order from Golden Tote. I feel like this beauty was a few years ahead of its time, so I held onto it knowing it would only be more in style as the years go by. Don't you just love pieces like that? I paired my jacket with a suede skirt, crop top, and pulled in maroon with my sunglasses, bag, and boots. In the end, I loved wearing this outfit and that is a successful pairing in my book. 

Bomber Jacket: Golden Tote // Top & Skirt: Express // Bag & Shoes: c/o Sole Society // Necklace: Accessory Concierge // Sunglasses: MNG by Mango (similar)

Photos by Cecilia Jean

Are you a fan of bomber jackets? Did you already know that movies like Top Gun helped make this military jacket mainstream? Inspiration is everywhere folks!

Shop Bomber Jackets:

Twenty-Six Miles Across the Sea...

My husband and I spent a perfect last day of our Catalina Island visit at the beach, Descanso to be exact. We rented two lounges right next to the ocean and spent the day drifting in and out of naps, enjoying the BBQ that was served for lunch and conjuring up semi-realistic situations that would allow us to move there. I, the island photographer and husband, manager of the Catalina Conservancy… (We can dream, right?)

It was this day that we realized how polar opposite we are of each other - while it's something we already knew (and maintain that it's what always makes things exciting), it's truly laughable sometimes. The day started out in the high 60's with a sky full of clouds -- Husband was in heaven, as he despises laying directly in the sun. He maintained that it was the "best weather ever," perfect for nodding off and drinking more than a few rum based drinks. I, however, was curled up in a ball wearing multiple layers (including husband's towel) shivering and just praying for the sun to come out. 

Sure enough, a few hours later. the afternoon turned bright and beautiful and how quickly the roles reversed. The minute the sun came out, the towel went back to my husband who draped it over his head to avoid any unnecessary sweating, whereas I was "a pig in shit" (his words, not mine)...the water was bluer, the DJ got louder and the layers came off. My mood is hugely affected by the sun but I guess we can say the same for him...just in a Freaky Friday kind of way ;)

Dress: Golden Tote (swap w/ Lisa)  // Sweater: Old Navy (similar) // Hat: Fashion Q // Sunglasses: Old Navy // Sandals: LOFT (similar)

See how much more beautiful everything is in the sun? Sigh, men are from Mars alright… ;)

Rocked it & Swapped it (Twice!)

There are a few items that Lisa and I have swapped countless times and this Golden Tote dress is a prime example. Having a difference of 6 inches in height can make it difficult for us to share some items but this dress fits us both like a glove.

The playful pattern makes it fun to remix and provides the ultimate pop(s) of color for sunny summer days. I love wearing it with my favorite jean jacket (but really, is there anything I CAN’T work with a jean jacket?) and I’m obsessed with the way Lisa wore it with her gorgeous teal heels from just fab.  

Next time I find this baby in my swap bag, it's time to try a metallic belt...that would dress it up perfectly for wedding season!

Do you have any items in your closet that you can never tire of? 

Who Doesn't Love a Great Print?

I don't know about you, but I love me a great print dress!
This one is unique because the print changes half way down making it look a bit like separates. I have worn this dress three times now and each time I just add some jewelry and I'm good to go. I always say, oh next time I'll layer over it or next time I'll switch the belt, but I always end up keeping it as is. If it's not broken, don't fix it, right?

I paired the easy summer look with gold accessories and a great nude wedge to elongate my legs.

Dress: Golden Tote // Shoes: c/o Just Fab // Watch: Fossil // Druzy Ring: EG Jewelry // Hashtag Ring: T+J Designs // Buckle Bangle: c/o It's a Bling Thing // Charm Bracelet: Alex and Ani // Earrings: House of Gemmes // Arrow Necklace: c/o Sarah Aghili 

The look was perfect for a family outdoor party over the weekend. I was able to eat lots and have space in my dress (which is key) and play with the kids comfortably too!

Do you love a great print dress? How would you style this one?

Rocked it & Swapped it

I got this amazing stripe dress from Golden Tote. It was one of the items that I didn't choose for myself but was so glad it came. For those of you unfamiliar, you can choose 2 different sizes & priced packages. Then, you pick 1 or 2 items and the rest the stylist chooses for you. I really love this service and bought two of the larger totes in 2013.

OK, back to the swap at hand. ;) When I wore my stripe stress, I layered up with a scarf and kept the styling simple with black, white, and gold accents. 

When Kaitlyn wore it, she too layered up with a scarf and added a cute brown boot to mix the neutrals.

Here is how we both styled the dress:

Have you ever checked out Golden Tote?

Because Lisa is an "On-The-Go" Mom

Some of my days are longer then others. This was a very long, busy day. 

I started the day cooking to bring in food for my daughters class feast then stayed and read to the kids. I headed home to work a bit in the afternoon then off to my son's tennis lessons. When that finished I had 60 minutes to get home, get everyone changed then dash off to dinner out.

The comedy of it all was it was raining this day and not only did my son slip and fall outside after tennis, I fell too when I ran back into my home because I forgot something. My daughter also had her 1st potty accident while we were out and the car broke down to boot. Yep, I had a day! ;)

Jacket: Golden Tote // Top: Gap // Jeans: Express // Shoes: c/o Sole Society // Bag: Just Fab // Double Ring & Love Ring: T+J Designs // Necklace: Threadsence // Watch: Fossil 

Thank goodness for top knots, jean leggings, and layers. This look took me from day to night and everything in between. I have the best friends and family because by the days end, they had me laughing at my tragically hilarious day. 

What do you wear for days that are go, go, go? 

Ever have a truly epic fail day and just can't help but laugh?

Because Kaitlyn Went to a Bachelorette Party!

Dress: Golden Tote (swap w/Lisa) // Jacket: Target (similar) // Scarf: Walgreens (crazy, right?) // Booties: ℅ Just Fab

Bag: ℅ Just Fab // Bracelet: Forever21 // Rings: Lili Claspe & T+J Designs

For a day that's filled with so many different activities, it can be hard to know what to wear. This was a a nice afternoon with a chilly night ahead and bachelorette plans included chocolate tasting, spa treatments, dinner and late night drinks. 

So, I went for casual chic with the (perfect) twirling dress, a scarf for warmth and stashed tights in my purse in case things got crazy (which isn't rare in this city!) BTW, I'm officially in a love affair with these booties -- Is that weird? They are amazing ;)

Here's a few shots from the day. The group was a good mix of family and friends and it was really nice getting to know everyone…even nicer that our bonding started with endless kinds of chocolate. I might be lying if I said there wasn't any plate licking…

Rocked it & Swapped it

This is the second time I have swapped a Golden Tote dress with Lisa and I a officially a fan! I wore this dress 3 different times during its "visit" to my closet and got all kinds of compliments because it's such a great mix of prints and looks awesome under a jean jacket or blazer for the cool nights ahead...

By the way, if you are looking for a pair of comfortable wedges, stop the search: I walked all over in this pair from Just Fab and never felt the usual "I wish I had back up flip flops" pain. Plus, they go with everything. Yes please!?

Has anyone else shopped on Golden Tote yet?

Rocked it & Swapped it

Lisa recently filled me in on Golden Tote which is a team of ladies who have added the element of surprise to shopping by personally curating a variety of items that fit your style and then delivering them to your door in a cute canvas tote bag. I think it's a really cute idea and both of us were impressed with Lisa's items her first time around, this dress from Collective Concepts especially. 

 

Lisa pulled of the dress flawlessly and I decided to mix it up by turning it into a maxi skirt with the help of a knotted tee (and it's super soft, thank you VS!) I love that both styles are casual looks but still have their own flavor. Not to mention this is also one of the comfiest dresses I've ever tried on, so Lisa may have to bribe me to give it back... 

How do you re-mix a maxi?

Because Lisa Loves the Lake House

Over the 4th of July weekend, we went to the family lake house for some relaxing, eating, boating, and fireworks. I always welcome a few days of laziness, especially when it comes to getting ready: A comfy maxi dress, check! A big bag for all my boating needs, check! Air dried hair and not makeup (other then a light lip color), check! 

Here is what I wore:

Dress: Collective Concepts via Golden Tote, Bag: Sole Society, Hat: Nordstrom, Shoes: Target, Lip Color: Rose Blossom by Bobbi Brown

 

What is your laid back look?

Shop mine:

#Lisa